Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter. Today's topic will deal with a neat footwork drill.
First I would like to let everyone know that the first survey is now over and the results are posted at
http://finesoccer.com/survey.htm. Check it out and also, please participate in the second survey, which
deal with defense. The more people who participate the better the results will be.
I would like to start this off by saying that the length of time this series of drills should be done
will depend upon the age and condition of the keeper. I don't believe I would encourage real young keepers
going past the first progression.
Put two cones down yards apart parallel and this first step is to have the server throw the ball to the keeper
as she gets to the outside of each cone. If she starts on the right cone, she will slide side to side doing a
figure 8 around the cones. This should continue for a 1-minute interval. Rest for 30 seconds and then change
the height of the serves (the first serves might be head height and the second could be waist high). Do
this with 4 different levels and then the hard part begins.
For this next part, do the exact same thing with the only change being the keeper stays on her right foot
the whole time. In order to move around on the figure 8, she must hop on the right foot. When the ball is
served, she continues to stay on the right foot only.
After each level of serves, the keeper can get a 30 second break and then proceed with the left foot. This
series works on strengthening a keepers legs as well as builds up stamina and forces them to really concentrate
in order to catch the ball every time (as they continue in this series, their legs will start to burn some
which will make them concentrate more or drop balls).
This is simply a way to combine footwork, catching and plyometrics into a simple series of drills. Try it.
If you don't subscribe to the Soccer Newsletter, you might want to check out the newsletter I sent out today
on the tryout process. I think some people might find it helpful. You can find it at
http://finesoccer.com/soccer_edition_45.htm
